Margrave Of The Marshes

The memoirs of broadcasting legend John Peel, completed by the woman who knew him best - his wife, Sheila.

Loved and admired by millions - whether for his unstinting championing of musical talent on Radio 1 or for his wildly popular Radio 4 show Home Truths - this is the astonishing book John Peel began to write before his untimely death in October 2004.

The first half of the book, written by John, describes with characteristic humour his early life, including his school days, National Service and his time in the United States.

He talks with his usual openness about bullying and beatings at public school, about his joy at discovering Lonnie Donegan and Elvis and about many of the weird and wonderful moments in his broadcasting career.

The second section, written by Peel's wife and soulmate of many years, Sheila Ravenscroft, gives us an intimate portrait of the man and his music, and the highs and lows of everyday life at Peel Acres.

The completion of this book has been a labour of love for John's family and is a fitting tribute to a hugely inspirational and much missed broadcaster.

Produced by Emma Harding.

Station

Radio 4

Series

Book of the Week

Duration

15 Minutes

Episodes

Episode

FirstBroadcast

Comments

01

20051024

The memoirs of broadcasting legend John Peel, completed by the woman who knew him best - his wife, Sheila.

Loved and admired by millions - whether for his unstinting championing of musical talent on Radio 1 or for his wildly popular Radio 4 show Home Truths - this is the astonishing book John Peel began to write before his untimely death in October 2004.

The first half of the book, written by John, describes with characteristic humour his early life, including his school days, National Service and his time in the United States.

He talks with his usual openness about bullying and beatings at public school, about his joy at discovering Lonnie Donegan and Elvis and about many of the weird and wonderful moments in his broadcasting career.

The second section, written by Peel's wife and soulmate of many years, Sheila Ravenscroft, gives us an intimate portrait of the man and his music, and the highs and lows of everyday life at Peel Acres.

The completion of this book has been a labour of love for John's family and is a fitting tribute to a hugely inspirational and much missed broadcaster.

Produced by Emma Harding.John recalls his childhood and the dark days of boarding school.

Read by Michael Angelis.

01

20051024

The memoirs of broadcasting legend John Peel, completed by the woman who knew him best - his wife, Sheila.

Loved and admired by millions - whether for his unstinting championing of musical talent on Radio 1 or for his wildly popular Radio 4 show Home Truths - this is the astonishing book John Peel began to write before his untimely death in October 2004.

The first half of the book, written by John, describes with characteristic humour his early life, including his school days, National Service and his time in the United States.

He talks with his usual openness about bullying and beatings at public school, about his joy at discovering Lonnie Donegan and Elvis and about many of the weird and wonderful moments in his broadcasting career.

The second section, written by Peel's wife and soulmate of many years, Sheila Ravenscroft, gives us an intimate portrait of the man and his music, and the highs and lows of everyday life at Peel Acres.

The completion of this book has been a labour of love for John's family and is a fitting tribute to a hugely inspirational and much missed broadcaster.

Produced by Emma Harding.John recalls his childhood and the dark days of boarding school.

Read by Michael Angelis.

02

20051025

John looks back at some of his stranger experiences at Radio 1.

03

20051026

After a brief stint as a soldier, Gunner Ravenscroft J turns into John Ravenscroft Gentleman.

But it's not long before his father packs him off to the USA in anticipation of a more responsible future.

Sheila reflects on domestic life at Peel Acres and on the debut of Radio 4's Home Truths.

read by Carolyn Pickles.

Episodes

Episode

FirstBroadcast

Comments

01

20051024

The memoirs of broadcasting legend John Peel, completed by the woman who knew him best - his wife, Sheila.

Loved and admired by millions - whether for his unstinting championing of musical talent on Radio 1 or for his wildly popular Radio 4 show Home Truths - this is the astonishing book John Peel began to write before his untimely death in October 2004.

The first half of the book, written by John, describes with characteristic humour his early life, including his school days, National Service and his time in the United States.

He talks with his usual openness about bullying and beatings at public school, about his joy at discovering Lonnie Donegan and Elvis and about many of the weird and wonderful moments in his broadcasting career.

The second section, written by Peel's wife and soulmate of many years, Sheila Ravenscroft, gives us an intimate portrait of the man and his music, and the highs and lows of everyday life at Peel Acres.

The completion of this book has been a labour of love for John's family and is a fitting tribute to a hugely inspirational and much missed broadcaster.

Produced by Emma Harding.John recalls his childhood and the dark days of boarding school.

Read by Michael Angelis.

01

20051024

The memoirs of broadcasting legend John Peel, completed by the woman who knew him best - his wife, Sheila.

Loved and admired by millions - whether for his unstinting championing of musical talent on Radio 1 or for his wildly popular Radio 4 show Home Truths - this is the astonishing book John Peel began to write before his untimely death in October 2004.

The first half of the book, written by John, describes with characteristic humour his early life, including his school days, National Service and his time in the United States.

He talks with his usual openness about bullying and beatings at public school, about his joy at discovering Lonnie Donegan and Elvis and about many of the weird and wonderful moments in his broadcasting career.

The second section, written by Peel's wife and soulmate of many years, Sheila Ravenscroft, gives us an intimate portrait of the man and his music, and the highs and lows of everyday life at Peel Acres.

The completion of this book has been a labour of love for John's family and is a fitting tribute to a hugely inspirational and much missed broadcaster.

Produced by Emma Harding.John recalls his childhood and the dark days of boarding school.

Read by Michael Angelis.

02

20051025

John looks back at some of his stranger experiences at Radio 1.

03

20051026

After a brief stint as a soldier, Gunner Ravenscroft J turns into John Ravenscroft Gentleman.

But it's not long before his father packs him off to the USA in anticipation of a more responsible future.